Former South African skipper AB de Villiers discussed the demanding nature of the Bronco test after reports emerged that the BCCI is considering implementing it as a fitness assessment for Indian players. De Villiers mentioned that he had undergone the test on several occasions during his career.
According to him, the drill often left him gasping for breath, especially when performed at high-altitude venues. In his latest YouTube video (at 5:00), the 41-year-old reflected on those experiences.
“I actually didn’t even know when the team told me about it. I said, ‘What is a Bronco Test?’ But when they explained it to me, I knew exactly what it was. I’ve been doing it ever since I was 16 years old. Over here in South Africa, we call it the sprint repeat ability test.”
“It’s one of the worst you can do. Very clearly remember at the University of Pretoria, also at SuperSport Park, in the cold winter mornings of South Africa, in particular, where there’s not a lot of oxygen, the altitude here is, I think, 1,500 meters above sea level. So, not a lot of oxygen, and those lungs would burn.”
“No Need To Change What Works’ – R Ashwin On India’s Bronco Test Plan
Former Indian spinner R Ashwin criticized the BCCI’s move to bring in the Bronco test, arguing that the current fitness assessment is effective and does not need alteration. He further suggested that the new strength and conditioning coach, Adrian Le Roux, should have collaborated with his predecessor to ensure a seamless transition.
Sharing his views on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat (as quoted by The Times of India), Ashwin remarked:
“I just want to raise some questions. As a player, the problem is one of continuity. I would really like some continuity. It is important to give that. Whenever a new trainer comes in, he should work with the outgoing trainer for six months to one year to give the handover. There is no need to change something that is working. If something is working, then it needs to be discussed and then changed.”
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